10 Interior Decorating Books That Define Style and Function
Discover expert picks from Joanna Gaines, Bobby Berk, and Gurdeep Pandher Of The Yukon shaping Interior Decorating Books
Updated on June 23, 2025·We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page
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What if your living space could speak volumes about who you are without uttering a word? Interior decorating is no longer just about aesthetics—it's a reflection of personality and lifestyle, more vital now as our homes serve as offices, retreats, and social hubs. The surge in home makeovers and design experimentation reveals a growing desire to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
Joanna Gaines, famed for transforming homes with approachable style, has embraced several of these expert guides to refine her design instincts. Bobby Berk, host of Netflix’s Queer Eye and an authority on practical, bold interior choices, champions books that empower decorators to take confident risks. Meanwhile, Gurdeep Pandher Of The Yukon highlights the importance of digital presence through well-curated spaces, pointing to specialized guides that tackle virtual backgrounds and remote work setups.
While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks and inspiration, readers seeking content tailored to their specific home dimensions, style preferences, and functional needs might consider creating a personalized Interior Decorating book that builds on these insights and fits their unique decorating journey.
Joanna Gaines, author of The Magnolia Table, knows the challenges of creating a home that truly reflects who you are. Drawn to Emily Henderson’s fearless approach to design, Joanna appreciates how this book balances personality with function. She says, "I’ve always been drawn to Emily’s approach to design. She’s not afraid to take risks and she has the ability to design beautiful spaces that are full of both personality and function." This perspective helped Joanna see how embracing bold choices can lead to spaces that feel both authentic and welcoming. Similarly, Bobby Berk, design expert and Netflix’s Queer Eye host, finds the book a clear and empowering guide that breaks down complex decisions into manageable, stylish steps.
“I’ve always been drawn to Emily’s approach to design. She’s not afraid to take risks and she has the ability to design beautiful spaces that are full of both personality and function. This book serves as an approachable guide for anyone who is looking for tools and resources to create a home that speaks to who they are and what they love.”
Emily Henderson, Jessica Cumberbatch Anderson, Sara Ligorria-Tramp, Velinda Hellen(you?)·
About the Author
Emily Henderson is a stylist, interior designer, TV host, and founder of Emily Henderson Design. She has always had a strong commitment to vintage-inspired and approachable home style that works for every single person. A Target Home Style Expert, Emily’s work has been featured widely, including in The New York Times, People, InStyle, House Beautiful, and domino. She lives on a mini farm outside of Portland, Oregon, with her husband, son, and daughter.
When Emily Henderson shifted from traditional design rules to embracing risk and personal expression, she redefined what it means to create a home that truly resonates with its inhabitants. Drawing from her vintage-inspired style and media experience, she guides you through every interior decorating decision—from paint and furniture to lighting and contractor choices—backed by clear explanations and colorful illustrations. The book demystifies renovation by highlighting practical details such as when to hire professionals and why some materials, like marble countertops, might not be the best choice. If you want to gain confidence in visualizing and executing a home that reflects your personality rather than following fleeting trends, this book offers the insight you need.
The Independent, a respected UK publication known for cultural insight, highlights this book as "[A] useful and easy approach to interior design." Their endorsement carries weight for anyone serious about home styling. They appreciated how the book breaks down complex design concepts into approachable lessons, which helped them rethink their assumptions about arranging living spaces. Alongside, Publisher's Weekly praises it as "A first-rate way to ensure decorating success," confirming its practical value for those wanting reliable guidance in interior decorating.
Frida Ramstedt is a renowned interior design expert known for her practical approach to home styling. With a popular blog and a significant following in Scandinavia, she has coached many on creating harmonious living spaces. Her insights focus on understanding design principles rather than merely following trends, making her a trusted voice in the field.
When Frida Ramstedt first realized that most interior design advice focuses too much on what to buy rather than how to arrange and style, she set out to change that perspective. Drawing from her experience coaching a Scandinavian audience, she teaches you fundamental design principles like the golden ratio and how to proportion furniture for harmony and balance. For example, she explains optimal coffee table sizing relative to sofas and the best height for lighting fixtures, helping you grasp the "why" behind good design decisions. This book suits anyone aiming to create a cohesive and beautiful home regardless of style or location, especially if you want to understand design logic rather than just trends.
This personalized AI book about interior decorating is created after you share your experience, style preferences, and specific goals. It focuses on delivering exactly what you need to master essential decorating principles and explore diverse styles suited to your space. Unlike one-size-fits-all guides, this book is created for you based on your inputs, making your decorating journey more efficient and relevant.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
2026·50-300 pages·Interior Decorating, Interior Principles, Design Styles, Color Theory, Space Planning
This personalized book provides a comprehensive exploration of interior decorating principles and styles, tailored to your specific space, taste, and goals. It offers a structured approach to understanding design elements such as color theory, spatial layout, lighting, and material selection. By integrating both foundational concepts and nuanced style variations, this tailored framework cuts through generic advice to fit your unique context. Readers gain actionable strategies for harmonizing aesthetics with functionality, enabling them to confidently craft interiors that resonate with personal identity and lifestyle needs. The book prioritizes practical application, ensuring each recommendation aligns with your particular home environment and decorating aspirations.
Veranda, a respected authority in interior design publishing, highlights how Corey Damen Jenkins's book stood out to their editors immediately after its 2021 release. They emphasize Jenkins's unique ability to breathe new life into traditional interiors with vibrant color and texture, noting, "Corey Damen Jenkins's masterful book has remained at the top of our editors' reading lists since its debut in 2021. The brilliant tome showcases the designer's fresh and colorful take on traditional design while sharing Jenkins's advice on how to emulate the youthful look for yourself." This endorsement underscores how Jenkins's insights reshaped their appreciation for classic rooms with a modern twist.
“Corey Damen Jenkins's masterful book has remained at the top of our editors' reading lists since its debut in 2021. The brilliant tome showcases the designer's fresh and colorful take on traditional design while sharing Jenkins's advice on how to emulate the youthful look for yourself.”
When Corey Damen Jenkins realized that traditional interiors often felt stuffy or outdated, he crafted a fresh approach that injects color, texture, and personality into classic spaces. Drawing on decades of experience leading his New York design firm, Jenkins breaks down his style into approachable concepts like "Bold Standard" for playful color use and "Good Bones" focusing on architectural details. You’ll gain concrete skills for mixing minimalism with traditional flair and accessorizing with fashion-inspired touches, with practical tips on picture wall hanging and window treatments. This book suits anyone eager to refresh traditional interiors with youthful vibrancy rather than overhaul them completely.
Publisher's Weekly, a leading authority in book publishing, highlights Stephanie Hunt's deep connection to Southern style through her work with Veranda magazine. After immersing themselves in this lush collection, they praised it as a charming, richly photographed survey that captures the expansive range of Southern interiors. "Veranda magazine contributor Hunt explores the breadth of Southern style in this charming survey. The author then takes readers on a sumptuously photographed tour of contemporary homes, organized into six thematic sections... Armchair designers won’t want to miss this." This book reshaped their understanding of Southern design’s inclusivity and warmth, making it a compelling read for anyone passionate about interior decorating.
“Veranda magazine contributor Hunt explores the breadth of Southern style in this charming survey. The author then takes readers on a sumptuously photographed tour of contemporary homes, organized into six thematic sections.... Armchair designers won’t want to miss this.”
Stephanie Hunt is a writer in Charleston, South Carolina, and regular contributor to Veranda. A native Southerner, she writes about style and design and community and culture for a number of publications, including Coastal Living, Southern Living, LUXE, The Washington Post, and Charleston Magazine.
Veranda, a respected authority in interior design publishing, highlights how Jake Arnold's signature style combines English sensibility with California's relaxed lifestyle. Their recommendation notes, "British designer Jake Arnold has made a name for himself in the States with his signature style that mixes English sensibility with the relaxed California lifestyle. In his first book, Arnold gives an inside look into his own design philosophy, taking readers into nine homes that blend elegance and chic minimalism." This perspective reveals how Arnold’s work reshaped their understanding of comfort and style in contemporary interiors.
“British designer Jake Arnold has made a name for himself in the States with his signature style that mixes English sensibility with the relaxed California lifestyle. In his first book, Arnold gives an inside look into his own design philosophy, taking readers into nine homes that blend elegance and chic minimalism.”
Jake Arnold is a British interior designer, principal of his eponymous interior design firm, and co-founder of the online interiors platform The Expert. His work has been featured in Elle Decor, Vogue, Better Homes and Gardens, and Architectural Digest, which named him among the AD100 best designers for 2022.
When Jake Arnold first discovered how to blend English tradition with California's laid-back luxury, he crafted a new approach to interior decorating that feels both timeless and fresh. In his debut book, he walks you through nine distinct projects, each illustrating a facet of his design philosophy focused on redefining comfort through elegance and tactile harmony. You get an insider's view of his process, from sketches to material choices, making it clear how he creates serene yet chic spaces. This book suits those who want to understand how subtle design decisions can transform a home into a sanctuary that balances style with personal ease.
This custom AI book on interior decorating is created based on your unique style preferences, room dimensions, and decorating goals. By using AI to tailor the content, it ensures every step of your 30-day room refresh is relevant to your living space and tastes. Instead of generic advice, you get a personalized daily plan focusing on what really matters to you, making the decorating process manageable and enjoyable. This approach delivers focused guidance that respects your lifestyle and helps you refresh your room with confidence.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
2026·50-300 pages·Interior Decorating, Home Styling, Color Coordination, Furniture Layout, Lighting Design
This personalized book offers a detailed, 30-day plan designed to refresh your interior decorating approach based on your unique style preferences and living space. It provides a tailored framework that guides you through daily, actionable steps—ranging from color selection and furniture arrangement to lighting adjustments and decor layering. By focusing on your individual tastes and spatial constraints, it cuts through generic advice, ensuring that each recommendation fits your specific context and goals. The book emphasizes practical, incremental transformations that collectively yield a cohesive and revitalized home environment, empowering you to implement changes confidently and efficiently.
Martha Stewart Living, a leading name in interior decorating, highlights how Made for Living opens doors to spaces that feel both inviting and stylish. Their appreciation stems from the book’s focus on comfort during times when home life has taken center stage. They describe it as "Made for Living invites you into dreamy homes that are light, bright, and—key these days—comfortable," a testament to Amber Lewis’s success in crafting interiors that emphasize livability without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
When Amber Lewis discovered the art of layering in interior decorating, she transformed her approach to creating homes that feel effortlessly lived in. Drawing from her West Coast roots, Amber teaches you how to balance old and new elements to achieve a space that’s neither too staged nor too chaotic. You'll learn how to mix patterns boldly, select stone finishes wisely, and choose paint hues that suit your personality, all supported by over 250 vivid photographs illustrating these principles in action. This book suits anyone wanting to create rooms with warmth and style without fuss, especially those drawn to eclectic, comfortable designs that evolve naturally over time.
Gurdeep Pandher Of The Yukon, a Sikh-Canadian dancer known for spreading joy and positivity, highlights how the pandemic shifted the way we engage digitally, making background presentation crucial. He points to "How to Zoom Your Room" as an invaluable guide, praising the tips on creating vibrant virtual spaces for media interviews and calls. His recommendation underscores how this book helped him think differently about remote presence and professionalism. Following this, Room Rater, the original Twitter interior critics behind the book, share their excitement about bringing their sharp eye for home office setups into print, offering readers a witty yet practical resource.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, my friends at @ratemyskyperoom have been a great source of providing tips how to create a vibrant space for virtual media interviews. Now they wrote a book with all their amazing tips "How to Zoom Your Room".” (from X)
Claude Taylor, Jessie Bahrey, Chris Morris(you?)·
About the Author
Claude Taylor has worked as a professional travel photographer and a political operative. He served on Bill Clinton’s White House staff. From 1998 to 2016 he also worked as a gallery owner. For the last several years he has served as Chair of a political action committee, Mad Dog Pac. He currently resides in Maryland.
What if everything you knew about video call backgrounds was wrong? Claude Taylor, with his eclectic background spanning from White House political staff to travel photography, teams up with Jessie Bahrey and Chris Morris to dissect the art of digital presence in "How to Zoom Your Room." You gain concrete insights on lighting, camera angles, and clutter elimination, illustrated through examples like Jonathan Capehart's setup and historic presidential rooms. This book speaks directly to anyone who wants to command respect and portray professionalism in remote meetings, from corporate workers to creatives working from home.
Martha Stewart Living, a well-known authority in home design and lifestyle, highlights how Lauren Liess’s book brings a fresh perspective to interior decorating. They emphasize the way Liess "imbues any space with warmth and energy," showcasing her renovation of an arts-and-crafts home into a vibrant family space. This book helped them appreciate the blend of style and soul, demonstrating that interiors can be both beautiful and livable without losing their relaxed, natural feel.
“In her new book, Down to Earth: Laid Back Interiors for Modern Living, designer Lauren Liess shares how she imbues any space with warmth and energy. She walks us through an arts-and-crafts charmer in Washington, D.C., that she renovated into an action-packed family home”
Lauren Liess is a decorator, textile and furniture designer, and founder of the popular design blog Pure Style Home. She and her husband now star in the new HGTV show Best House on the Block, which features the design, renovation, and decorating of clients’ homes. Liess lives in Virginia.
When Lauren Liess discovered the power of blending nature and simplicity in home design, she crafted a guide that moves beyond typical decorating manuals. You learn how to create spaces infused with warmth and personality by focusing on natural materials, timeless pieces, and a relaxed lifestyle that can evolve with you. The book walks you through six distinctive homes, each illustrating key principles like timelessness and simplicity, offering concrete examples instead of abstract ideas. If you want a home that feels as lived-in and soulful as it looks stylish, this book offers a thoughtful approach rather than quick fixes.
Misha de Potestad is a journalist and stylist who has reported on interior design for forty years, contributing to French Elle and Elle Decor. Her extensive experience informs this elegant volume, which celebrates the machine age's influence on interior design from 1900 to 1950. Drawing on her deep knowledge, she offers an insightful look at the engineers and designers behind the industrial aesthetic, making this a rich resource for anyone interested in vintage industrial style.
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Conclusion
Examining these ten books, a clear theme emerges: interior decorating thrives at the intersection of personal expression and practical design. Whether drawn to the timeless warmth of Southern style in Veranda At Home in the South or the modern minimalism of Jake Arnold, each book offers a distinct lens on crafting spaces that feel authentic.
If you're wrestling with renovation anxieties, start with The New Design Rules and The Interior Design Handbook for foundational guidance. For those eager to inject personality into traditional spaces, Design Remix offers fresh perspectives. Rapid implementers should combine How to Zoom Your Room with Macrame for Home Decor to enhance both virtual presence and tactile ambiance.
Once you've absorbed these expert insights, create a personalized Interior Decorating book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. Your ideal space is waiting—why not start crafting it today?
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with The Interior Design Handbook for a solid grasp of design principles and The New Design Rules for practical renovation advice. They lay a strong foundation before you dive into style-specific guides.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Interior Decorating?
Not at all. Titles like Made for Living and Design Remix offer accessible approaches that suit beginners while still engaging seasoned decorators.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with foundational books like The Interior Design Handbook, then explore style-focused works such as Veranda At Home in the South or Vintage Industrial. Finally, try niche topics like How to Zoom Your Room for virtual styling.
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
You can pick based on your goals. For general skills, one foundational book suffices. For style inspiration or specialized needs, choose accordingly. Combining a few offers the richest perspective.
Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?
The Interior Design Handbook leans toward theory, explaining design logic, while The New Design Rules and How to Zoom Your Room provide hands-on, actionable advice.
How can personalized Interior Decorating books complement these expert picks?
Personalized books tailor expert insights to your unique space, style, and goals, saving you time and enhancing relevance. They complement classics by focusing on your specific needs. Explore custom Interior Decorating books to see how.
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